The 50 State Quarters Program, launched by the U.S. Mint between 1999 and 2008, introduced unique designs for each state, sparking widespread interest among collectors and the general public. While most of these quarters are common, certain rare variations and errors have made some of them highly valuable.
Identifying these specific coins can be both exciting and financially rewarding. Below, we explore six rare state quarters that could be worth a fortune, highlighting their unique features and potential value.
1. 2004 Wisconsin State Quarter – Extra Leaf Error
In 2004, the Wisconsin state quarter was released, featuring a design that includes a cow, a round of cheese, and an ear of corn. Some of these quarters were discovered with an extra leaf on the corn husk, leading to two distinct varieties: the “High Leaf” and “Low Leaf” errors. T
he origin of these errors remains a topic of debate among numismatists, with theories ranging from accidental die gouges to intentional alterations.
- Distinguishing Features: Look for an extra leaf on the left side of the corn ear, either pointing upward (High Leaf) or downward (Low Leaf).
- Approximate Value: Depending on the coin’s condition, these error quarters can fetch between $150 and $300.
2. 1999 Delaware State Quarter – Spitting Horse Error
The first quarter released in the series was the Delaware state quarter in 1999, featuring Caesar Rodney on horseback. Some coins exhibit a die crack extending from the horse’s mouth, giving the appearance of it “spitting.”
- Distinguishing Features: A raised line (die crack) extending from the horse’s mouth toward the edge of the coin.
- Approximate Value: These error coins can be worth $20 to $50, depending on their condition.
3. 2005 Minnesota State Quarter – Extra Tree Error
The Minnesota state quarter, released in 2005, depicts a scenic lake with trees in the background. Some of these quarters have an extra tree due to a die doubling error.
- Distinguishing Features: Additional tree-like images near the trees on the right side of the design, resulting from die doubling.
- Approximate Value: Depending on the prominence of the error and the coin’s condition, values range from $50 to $150.
4. 2000 New Hampshire State Quarter – Old Man of the Mountain Die Break
The New Hampshire quarter features the “Old Man of the Mountain,” a rock formation that collapsed in 2003. Some coins exhibit die breaks or chips that distort this image.
- Distinguishing Features: Irregularities or extra metal around the “Old Man of the Mountain” design due to die breaks.
- Approximate Value: These quarters can be worth $5 to $20, based on the size and location of the die break.
5. 2006 Colorado State Quarter – Cud Error
The Colorado quarter, released in 2006, showcases the Rocky Mountains. Some coins have a “cud” error, where a die break causes a blob of metal to appear on the coin.
- Distinguishing Features: A raised, unintentional lump of metal, often near the rim of the coin, resulting from a die break.
- Approximate Value: Depending on the size and location of the cud, these errors can be valued between $5 and $30.
6. 2007 Wyoming State Quarter – Double Die Error
The Wyoming quarter features a bucking horse and rider. Some of these quarters exhibit doubling on the design elements due to a die error.
- Distinguishing Features: Noticeable doubling on the horse, rider, or inscriptions, visible upon close inspection.
- Approximate Value: These error coins can be worth $50 to $100, depending on the clarity of the doubling and the coin’s condition.
Rare State Quarters & Their Value
| Year | State | Error/Variety | Approximate Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Wisconsin | Extra Leaf (High/Low) | $150 – $300 |
| 1999 | Delaware | Spitting Horse Die Crack | $20 – $50 |
| 2005 | Minnesota | Extra Tree Die Doubling | $50 – $150 |
| 2000 | New Hampshire | Old Man Die Break | $5 – $20 |
| 2006 | Colorado | Cud Error | $5 – $30 |
| 2007 | Wyoming | Double Die Error | $50 – $100 |
FAQs
Q1: How can I identify if my state quarter has an error?
A1: To identify an error, closely examine your quarter under good lighting or magnification. Look for anomalies such as extra lines, doubling of images or text, unusual bumps (cuds), or missing design elements. Comparing your coin to standard images can help spot discrepancies.
Q2: Are error quarters more valuable than regular quarters?
A2: Yes, error quarters are often more valuable due to their rarity and uniqueness. The value depends on the type of error and the coin’s condition.
Q3: Where can I sell my error quarters?
A3: You can sell error quarters through online auction sites, coin dealers, or at coin shows. Having the coin authenticated and graded by a professional service can help maximize its value.
If you have a collection of state quarters or regularly use cash transactions, take a closer look at your change. A small mistake in minting could mean a big payday for you! Checking for these rare errors is an exciting way to engage with coin collecting while possibly uncovering a hidden fortune.